It never was banned up here in Canada, and you can purchase exports from France, Czech Republic, and Switzerland I think. I've always liked it in small amounts. It's VERY Expensive, but maybe the US lifting the ban will drive the prices down after a few years.
Traditionally, it is a very high alcohol drink, so that's what made the people "crazy". Some makers talk about thujone content. Thujone is supposed to be the compound that causes the halucinations, and that has finally been debunked!
If you like Pernod, a french absinthe based liquor that tastes very much like licorice, you will love absinthe.